You can’t think of the decade of free love, feminism and rebellion without remembering the hippie fashion that so prominently marks those grainy colored memories. A new generation was expressing its views, beliefs and independence through the hippie counter-culture. It was a radical era that found a voice in protests, marches, music, lifestyle choices and fashion.

Believe it or not, the term “hippie fashion” is not an oxymoron. There is actually a rich history behind the clothing of the time, and its influence has had a lasting impact on the fashion world—even making a comeback in some of the clothes of the top fashion designers today.

So dust off your favorite bell-bottoms and let’s groove through some far out 1960s hippie fashion, then and now.

The “Her”story of Hippie FashionThe ‘60s were a turning point not only for feminism, but fashion as well. Women were expressing themselves, celebrating their independence and establishing their equality with men. Fashion reflected these attitude shifts.

Hippie fashion wasn’t just about burning bras, but also about wearing clothes that reflected one’s uniqueness and freedom. The styles and trends were influenced by the environment of the day—music, nonconformity, the anti-establishment, experimentation and diversity. This is mirrored in the wild colors; flamboyant style; and casual, anything-goes fashion vibe.

Though people in the mainstream turned their noses up at the lifestyle and ideals of the hippies, free-lovin’ fashion eventually made its way into the middle class, influencing the lines of top designers such as Giorgio di Sant’Angelo, Saint Laurent and Kenzo.

Hippie fashion is not just a nostalgic walk down memory lane, though; it seems that everything old is new again.

According to Style.com’s spring 2008 trend report, it was the ‘Summer of Love’ all over again on the runways this spring. The experts observe that masses of fringe and tie-dye are being integrated into the latest styles of top designers such as Balmain, Giorgio Armani, Maurizio Pecoraro, Wunderkind and Veronique Branquinho.

Here’s a trip back through the time of peace, love and understanding to see how these flower-power fashions are influencing the latest trends of today:

Mood Rings Anyone?Gals were going to San Francisco with more than just a flower in their hair. Hippie fashion was not without accessories.

Earrings, necklaces, anklets and bracelets completed the outfits of even the most minimalist flower child. Accessories with psychedelic colorful patterns and gypsy-styled hoop earrings did wonders for a miniskirt or peasant dress. Though this was the time of “less is more,” purses were also a big part of the ‘60s hippie fashion era, literally.

Purses were large and bold – all the better to carry favored loot to catch a bus to San Fran on the fly. Woven purses had big beads; crocheted purses featured lots of fringe; and the “reversible” purse made its appearance. With bright orange and pink flowers on the outside, but green-and-yellow plaid on the inside, two purses in one was all the rage.

Big is back, and is showing its style in earrings, necklaces and, most of all, purses.

Just walk down the street or open any fashion magazine to see that the big bags of hippie fashion have made a return—and the bigger the better. Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace and Coach are all showing collections that include super-sized bags. Celebrities are following suit by donning purses big enough to fit themselves into. Many of these hefty handbags are decorated with loud colors and ‘60s-style tassels and flaps. So pull out those old silver hoop earrings and start shopping for purses that could double as suitcases if you want to be in groove with the latest trend.

Retro Patterns and FabricsThe patterns and fabrics of the 1960s hippie fashion was influenced by the “mod look” that was taking the British scene by storm. Patterns included strong colors and geometrical shapes, and were influenced by pop art such as that by the controversial Andy Warhol.

Floral patterns became popular toward the end of the decade. Jeans took front and center, with beaded or handmade shirts. Polyester was back in the spotlight, for better or worse. Short dresses and minis required no ironing when they came in poly—leaving more time for “making babies, not bombs.” Handmade woven or painted fabrics were also favorites of the earth-loving hippies.

Today, patterns and fabrics are following suit with bright colors and floral designs.

According to Elle.com, tie-dye and flower prints are part of the new Bohemian trend that is alive and well this spring and summer. Fashion followers will find colorful patterns covering not only clothes, but shoes and purses. Fortunately, polyester is staying back in the ‘60s and ‘70s for the time being, but don’t pack away those polyester vintage jumpsuits just yet; there is always next year.

‘60s Hippie Fashion StylesThe hippie generation was about being uninhibited, and that philosophy came across in the clothes and hairstyles. “Slim fit” was the name of the game in the ’60s. Tree-hugging women wore hip-hugging jeans and bell-bottoms. Miniskirts and tube tops were queen—and the skimpier, the better. Women were turning away from the conservative styles of the ‘50s and starting to show some skin. Girls and guys let their hair grow out and hang loose along with their free-flowing ideals.

The styles of the 1960s hippie fashion are making their way back onto the catwalk today. Fashion-ideas.net says that hippie fashion is being seen this spring and summer with long skirts, streamy silhouettes, variegated fabrics, wattled sandals and other trends. Short and slim-fit styles are also back with a vengeance. Snug-fitting pants, jeans and pedal pushers are lining the racks of popular boutiques. The new super-short bubble-style dress is a part of just about every designer’s new spring and summer lines.

The modern woman completes the look with cowboy boots on bare legs. Hippie hairstyles are all the rage again with celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Mariah Carey and Reese Witherspoon growing their locks long.

Hippie fashion was a sign of the times. It reflected the changes and attitude shifts that were happening in the youth of the day. Though the 1960s was a time of turmoil with the Vietnam War, Civil Rights Movement and political unrest, it was also a time of hope. Women were expressing themselves and developing their own “voice.”

The fashion of the time tells a story, and some of that story is making its way back into the trends of today. So when you are donning your slim-fit blue jeans, flowing peasant shirt and oversized bag this summer, make sure to raise your Tab cola to the women from the decade of change.

Are You A Fan Of 60s Movies?Envision yourself Audrey Hepburn chic in big round sunglasses as you enter the theater to catch a flick. Films that captured sophisticated humor juxtaposed with the dark side in Hitchcock movies kept audiences entranced. How much do you know about the decade that said good-bye to the innocence of the 1950s and hello to the counter-culture of free love and flower power? Take the true and false quiz and learn the answer to the question, "What is your 60s movie IQ?"